Common Causes of Foundation Problems in Ocala
A home in Ocala might experience foundation issues for various reasons. Some are specific to the local environment, while others are prevalent nationwide. They include:
- Soil composition: Soil with large sand or clay concentrations is highly expansive. In the heavy rainfall Ocala gets, the soil absorbs moisture like a sponge, then releases it in dry seasons. The constant expansion and contraction puts pressure on nearby foundations, even if the foundations keep dry.
- Improper modifications: Landscaping or roofing work that wasn't done properly could lead to your foundation settling.
- Aging plumbing: While many Ocala homes are fairly new, some still use cast-iron plumbing. When the pipes start eroding, leakage could reach your foundation and even pool beneath it.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can intrude into a home's foundation through cracks, and may create stress that leads to your foundation fracturing, pipes being damaged, and overall structural destabilization.
How to Choose the Best Foundation Repair Company
When choosing a foundation company, you should consider your personal priorities. Ask each company on your list about the following qualities.
Licensing and Experience
Florida's contractor licensing system is rather unique. The state's Department of Business and Professional Regulation issues "certified" contractor licenses in building, general contracting, and residential construction that foundation companies must earn. There are also "registered" licenses issued at a local level. Talk to staff to gain additional insight into a company's experience. You should ask about local building codes, permit ordinances and inspection processes.
Contractor websites are excellent places to do your research. Typically, a foundation company will show how long it's been in business. It might also publish blog posts to assist interested parties.
Customer Reviews
We advise checking the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile to see whether it's accredited and has a positive customer review score. You can check whether other homeowners have expressed satisfaction or filed complaints. Pay special attention to what customers say about company warranties. Complaints don't mean a contractor is unreliable. BBB reviews show how the company handled complaints. It's a good sign if the company has settled issues proactively and appropriately. You should stay away from a company with numerous negative reviews, no licensure, and no communication regarding issues.
Foundation Repair Cost in Ocala
The cost of foundation repair can differ significantly based on the scale of the problems and what must be done to fix them. For minor foundation fissuring and settling issues, you may pay as little as $1,800. However, if there is quite substantial deterioration, the average cost will be around $2,500. More involved jobs involving excavation, helical piers, or major concrete leveling could run you $6,700. This table shows the average foundation repair costs for common issues.
Common Foundation Repair Services | Average Cost |
---|---|
Crack Repair | $306 |
Leak Repair | $2,383 |
Stabilization | $4,075 |
Underpinning | $1,174 |
Waterproofing | $2,624 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation Repair in Ocala
What will I pay to repair my foundation in Ocala?
When would I need a foundation replacement, and when could I just get a repair?
Is foundation repair covered under my homeowners insurance?
Will foundation repair disrupt my daily routine while the work's being done?
That said, foundation repair crews operate industrial machinery, and you'll occasionally experience loud noises or tremors. If either of these will disturb you, you might prefer to leave and return when the crew is finished.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
More Foundation Resources
National Foundation Repair Ranking Methodology
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (American Communities Survey)